System and method for facilitating ad hoc compilation of geospatial data for on-line collaboration

ABSTRACT

A system and method for facilitating ad hoc compilation of geospatial data for on-line collaboration is provided. One or more categories under which to store waymarks in a geospatial data sharing database with an exportable schema are dynamically defined. Each waymark associates geospatial data with metadata as an unstructured information cache. At least one variable is dynamically associated with each such category to identify the metadata. One or more attributes specifying a type of metadata storable in identity are defined with each such variable. The categories are published on-line by storing the geospatial data and the metadata as waymarks under one such category and accessing the stored waymarks in response to user requests.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to on-line data collaboration and,specifically, to a system and method for facilitating ad hoc compilationof geospatial data for on-line collaboration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers have become increasinglypopular as personal navigational aids and, more frequently, as featuresintegrated into consumer electronics, such as cellular telephones andwireless personal data assistants, as well as automobile navigationsystems. GPS signals are received from a constellation of navigationalsatellites and processed into locational coordinates. GPS receivers arepassive devices that provide locational data only, which must becombined with maps, charts, and other navigational aids to bring meaningto the latitude and longitude coordinates. Integrating GPS receiversinto consumer electronics or navigation systems has enabled users toretrieve helpful travel-related information and, in some configurations,to store additional information. However, such information generallyremains personal to the user, unless specifically shared or postedthrough some form of digital data communications, such as e-mail, textmessaging, or Web sites.

Recently, Web logs or “blogs,” have begun to proliferate as a new formof Web-based digital data communication. Blogs are on-line forums forthe sharing of the personal thoughts of a “blogger,” as well as othertypes of information, such as images, sounds, and video clips. Blogs arepublicly accessible journals or diaries that are often updated on afrequent basis. Blog readers are invited to post their comments andsubmit their own information for other readers to consider.

Blogs are a form of interactive Web site with content written andpublished by the individual blogger. Typically, blogs include anunstructured text narrative that might be organized by date or topic,yet can often cover rambling and wide-ranging topics, as reflected bythe blogger's personal tastes. Still, blog information can be useful,such as where a blogger chronicles travels in a region of particularinterest. Regular readers can generally identify pertinent travelinformation easily. However, other readers must use search engines orsimilar technologies to mine pertinent travel information out of theblog and, once found, such information may not be of the type or calibersought.

While travel-themed blogs can potentially provide valuable personaltravel insights, on-line databases of locational information can alsoprovide travel information, but in a more structured and consistentform. These databases are often well-indexed and searchable, butesoteric information is rare and the sharing of personalized travelinformation is generally unsupported or unavailable. Furthermore,locations of arcane or limited interest, such as vacuum cleaner museums,may not be available in locational information databases. As well, thesetypes of locations may not be of a sufficient interest level to warrantthe time and expense of a dedicated Web site for those aficionados soinclined.

Moreover, such databases, when organized by geolocational data, such asavailable though a GPS, are frequently structured to address the narrowproblem of providing an identity to a set of raw coordinates.Frequently, the geolocational data is indexed under pre-definedcategories or key words without provision for adding additionalinformation or user personalization. Moreover, the structure and contentis generally managed by a private database administrator, which does notallow for shared on-line customization or collaboration.

Therefore, there is a need for an approach to providing an on-linecompendium of arbitrary unstructured geolocational data and associatedmetadata. Preferably, such an approach would provide a customizable datacollection navigable in outline form and searchable by coordinates andother parameters. Such an approach would preferably further accommodatedifferent types of data in various formats as the metadata withcontrollable and transferable permissions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method includes a centralized database for storingwaymarks. Each waymark provides an unstructured cache of informationthat associates geospatial data with metadata. The waymarks areorganized into a schema of directories, categories, and subcategoriesthat can be navigated by, for instance, topic, and which can besearched, for example, by content or geolocational data. Variables andattributes can be individually specified for each category orsubcategory to organize the types of metadata associated with particularwaymarks. Permissions control the addition, editing, and deletion ofwaymarking data from the database. Waymarks can be posted into thecategories and subcategories and a set of log entries allow usercommentary and exchange regarding posted waymarks. In a furtherembodiment, the waymarking data can be exported as a portable schemathat enables other applications to read, display, and download thewaymarking data.

One embodiment provides a system and method for facilitating ad hoccompilation of geospatial data for on-line collaboration. One or morecategories under which to store waymarks in a geospatial data sharingdatabase with an exportable schema are dynamically defined. Each waymarkassociates geospatial data with metadata as an unstructured informationcache. At least one variable is dynamically associated with each suchcategory to identify the metadata. One or more attributes specifying atype of metadata storable in identity are defined with each suchvariable. The categories are published on-line by storing the geospatialdata and the metadata as waymarks under one such category and accessingthe stored waymarks in response to user requests.

Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, wherein are described embodiments of the invention by wayof illustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out theinvention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other anddifferent embodiments and its several details are capable ofmodifications in various obvious respects, all without departing fromthe spirit and the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative innature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing, by way of example, collection ofgeospatial data and metadata at a waymark.

FIG. 2 is a map diagram showing, by way of example, zones of influenceoverlaid on the waymark of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an on-line geospatial datacompilation and collaboration environment, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a data diagram showing a data hierarchy for use in theenvironment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a data diagram showing a metadata hierarchy for use in theenvironment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a Venn diagram showing ownership and control over the databaseof FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram showing waymark category creation andad hoc compilation of geospatial data for on-line collaboration in theenvironment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page fornavigating a set of directories of waymarks.

FIG. 9 is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page forediting a category of waymarks.

FIG. 10 is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page forviewing category variables.

FIG. 11 is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page forediting category variables.

FIG. 12 is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for adhoc searching of waymarks.

FIG. 13 is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page forviewing search results.

FIG. 14 is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for aset of log entries regarding waymarks.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a system for facilitatingad hoc compilation of geospatial data for on-line collaboration, inaccordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Geospatial Data and Metadata Collection

In general, waymarks associate metadata about people, places, and thingswith geospatial data, although other types of geospatial dataassociations are possible. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing, by way ofexample, collection 10 of geospatial data 16 and metadata 17 at awaymark location 14. An individual 11, such as a traveler or localresident, decides to create a waymark 18 for a particular location 14. Awaymark 18 is an unstructured cache of information that includesmetadata and geolocational data, such as GPS coordinates. The metadataincludes digitally-storable information that can be used to describe orbe associated with some physical object, such as narrative textcontaining comments, ratings, physical characteristics, construction,color, dimensions, and so forth, images, sound, video, and other formsof data or any combinations thereof. Other types of metadata arepossible. As used herein, the terms “geospatial” and “geolocational” areinterchangeable and imply the same meanings. In addition, the physicalobject described or associated using a waymark 18 can be a place, suchas location 14, or any other kind of physical object, including peopleand things, that can be associated with geolocational data. The physicalobject need not be stationary nor earthbound. Rather, a physical objectcould be moving or be temporarily still and could be found on the land,water, air, under ground, above ground, or in space. Other types ofphysical objects and spatial orientations are possible.

Conveniently the individual 11 is carrying a GPS receiver 12 and adigital camera 13. The individual 11 uses the GPS receiver 12 to receivegeospatial data 16 from a GPS system 15, which can include conventionalout-of-doors GPS signals, as well as repeated GPS signals configured tobe received indoors or from stationary beacons providing GPS-likesignals from a stationary permanent position. Other types of geospatialdata sources are possible. The geospatial data 16 includes, forinstance, latitude, longitude, altitude, and precision, which can beused to identify the global location of location 14. Other types ofgeospatial data are possible. The GPS receiver 12 could be a standalonedevice or integrated into a consumer electronic device, such as acellular telephone, wireless personal data assistant, automobilenavigation system, or other GPS-enabled device.

The individual 11 also uses the digital camera 13 to take a digitalpicture of the physical object, such as a lighthouse, appearing at thelocation 14. The digital picture can be associated with the geospatialdata 16 as metadata 17. Other types of devices either in lieu of or inaddition to a digital camera 17, such as a personal data assistant ornotebook computer, audio or video recorder, film camera, or any othertype of device capable of fixing an expression describing or regardingthe physical object in a tangible medium is possible. The geospatialdata 16 and metadata 17 together form the waymark 18, which can becompiled into a sharable on-line database of geospatial data with anexportable schema, as further described below beginning with referenceto FIG. 3.

Zones of Influence

In a further embodiment, the location 14 of a physical object describedby a waymark 18 can be placed within a zone of influence. FIG. 2 is amap diagram 20 showing, by way of example, zones of influence 22, 23, 24overlaid on the waymark location 14 of FIG. 1. A zone of influence isstored geolocational data that forms a logically-enclosed physicalspace. Zones of influence can be defined in mutually exclusive,overlapping, and encapsulating or nested arrangements of various shapesand sizes, both immediately about or proximal to a particular waymarklocation 14. In addition, events can be logically linked to one or moreof the zones of influence and can be triggered based on locational,temporal, and independent conditions, such as described incommonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,032 to Irish et al. on Feb. 10,2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

As an example, the neighborhood areas 21 proximal to the waymarklocation 14 can be surveyed to identify those physical areas aroundwhich zones of influence could be defined to supplement the waymark 18.For instance, the immediate area surrounding the waymark location 14,such as a lighthouse park, could be logically defined as a first zone ofinfluence 22. Similarly, a nearby waterfront beach area could belogically defined as another zone of influence 23. Finally, a publicplayground that includes baseball diamonds could be logically enclosedin a further zone of influence 24.

On-Line Geospatial Data Compilation and Collaboration Environment

Waymarks associate geospatial data 16 and metadata 17, which can beshared by an on-line community of users. FIG. 3 is a functional blockdiagram showing an on-line geospatial data compilation and collaborationenvironment 30, in accordance with one embodiment. Shared waymarks 33are centrally stored in a database 32 with an exportable schema 34managed by a server 31. In addition, the server 31 allows users to logtheir personal interactions with the physical objects described by orassociated with waymarks 33 and publishes the waymarks 33 for on-linecollaboration, as further described below with reference to FIG. 15.

On-line users can access the server 31 over an internetwork 37, such asthe Internet, to compile new waymarks 33 into the database 32 and tocollaborate and share their personal experiences. To facilitate usernavigation and searching, the waymarks 33 and the metadata 17 areorganized into data and metadata hierarchies, as further described belowrespectively with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The structuring of thedatabase 32 and the waymarks 33 stored in the database 32 together formwaymarking data.

In addition, the server 31 provides ownership controls over the database32 for each creator client 35, Client_(C), owner client 36, Client_(O),and user client 37, Client_(U), as further described below withreference to FIG. 6. The clients 35, 36, 37 form the user communityhaving direct management over and access to the waymarks 33. The clients35, 36, 37 are not necessarily separate computer systems, but arelogically identified as separate ownership entities that affect thetypes of operations that can be performed on the database 32. Othertypes of ownership entities are possible.

Finally, the server 31 exports a schema 34 to describe and validate thewaymarks 33 and to enable other applications, such as executing on athird party client 38, Client_(T), to access and download the waymarkingdata. In providing the schema 34, the server 31 functions as a toolboxthat facilitates distributed on-line sharing of ad hoc geospatial data.Waymark schemas can be dynamically created based on the variables andattributes for a particular waymark category or subcategory. Forexample, a schema for a lighthouses category could contain “DateBuilt”and “Color” variables, whereas a schema for afactory tours categorycould contain “Produces” and “HoursOfOperation” variables. Other typesof waymark schemas are possible.

Data Hierarchy

The structure for storing the waymarks 33 is organized into a hierarchythat can form the exportable schema. FIG. 4 is a data diagram showing adata hierarchy 40 for use in the environment 30 of FIG. 3. When postedinto the database 32, the data hierarchy 40 facilitates efficient usernavigation and searching and provides control over ownershippermissions.

In one embodiment, a set of top level directories 41 are used to rootseparate data hierarchies 40 for topical groupings of waymarks. Forexample, the directories 41 could include people, places, and things.Other directories are possible. Within each directory 41, one or morecategories 42 and, optionally, one or more successive layers ofsubcategories 43 can be added to narrow down the specific topicalgrouping of the waymarks. For example, a places directory could havecategories and subcategories for countries, states or provinces, cities,and neighborhoods. Other categories and subcategories are possible.

The waymarks 44 are stored under appropriate categories 42 or, ifprovided, subcategories 43, to form the leaves of the data hierarchy 40.Other types of organizations for storing the waymarks in addition to orin lieu of a hierarchy, including linked lists and relationalstructures, are possible.

Finally, the data hierarchy forms an exportable schema 45, which can beexported as a portable data definition schema implemented, for example,as an XML Schema Definition (XSD), to describe and validate thewaymarking data for use in a portable, such as XML, environment. Usingthe schema 45, third party applications can read and download thewaymarks 44 in a structured format in which the waymarks 44 are exposedand accessed using the portable data definition schema. Other types ofschema definitions and structured formats either in addition to or inlieu of XSD and XML are possible.

Metadata Hierarchy

The structure for storing the metadata 17 assigned to each particularform of waymark 44 is also organized into a hierarchy. FIG. 5 is a datadiagram showing a metadata hierarchy 50 for use in the environment 30 ofFIG. 3. Metadata 17 is unstructured and can be uniquely defined for eachparticular category or subcategory 51. One or more variables 52 can beassociated with each particular category or subcategory 51 and eachvariable 52 is assigned one or more attributes 53 that describe the typeof data storable under the variable 52. For example, a variable forcolor could have attributes specifying color choices, such as red,green, and blue. Nested variables are possible. In addition, thevariables 52 can be inherited by child objects from parent categories orsubcategories 51. In a further embodiment, the metadata hierarchy can beincluded in the schema 45, described above with reference to FIG. 4, forthe waymarking data. Other types of organizations for storing themetadata in addition to or in lieu of a hierarchy are possible.

Geospatial Data Ownership and Control

The ownership of categories 42, subcategories 43, and variables 52 canbe controlled by the server 31. FIG. 6 is a Venn diagram 60 showingownership and control over the database 32 of FIG. 3. Categories 42,subcategories 43, and variables 52 can only be created by a singlecreator 61, which can be a logical group of one or more people. However,the ownership over the category or subcategory, which includes theability to modify or remove schema properties, can be transferred toanother single creator 61 to ensure, for instance, that thecharacteristics of each category or subcategory remain well-structuredand suitable for collaborative use. Individual owners 62 can create,change, and remove specific instances of waymarks 44, but, unless also acreator 61, cannot alter the underlying schema employed for thecorresponding category or subcategory. In addition, the roles of creator61, owner 62, and user 63 can be mutually exclusive or overlapping. Forexample, a user 63 could simultaneously be the creator 61 and owner 62for the same object. Other types of ownership and control schemes arepossible.

Process for On-Line Collaboration

On-line collaboration of waymarks 44 occurs as an on-going andcontinuously evolving process. FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram showingwaymark category creation and ad hoc compilation 70 of geospatial data33 for on-line collaboration in the environment 30 of FIG. 3. In oneembodiment, the use of a hierarchy to structure the organization ofwaymarks 44 and metadata 17 implies a specific ordering of operations tofacilitate waymark sharing.

During waymark category creation, categories 42 and subcategories 43 arefirst defined (operation 71) to set up the basic structuring for waymarkstorage under the directories 41. One or more variables 52 can beassociated with specific categories 42 or subcategories 43 (operation72). Similarly, attributes 53 are defined for each of the variables 52(operation 73). As the metadata 17 is unstructured, the variables 52 andattributes 53 are defined to channel the kinds of information submittedinto ad hoc classes of information. Finally, the waymark categories 42and subcategories 43 are published on-line (operation 74), which allowthe user community access to post new waymarks 44 in those categoriesand subcategories. In one embodiment, the waymarks are published througha Web-based user interface, as further described below beginning withreference to FIG. 8.

During ad hoc compilation, the user community can post waymarks 33(operation 75) and create log entries concerning the waymarks (operation76), as further described below respectively with reference to FIGS. 13and 14. Waymarks 33 are posted by navigating or searching through thecategories and subcategories and entering or editing geospatial data 16and metadata 17 for the selected waymark 33. Log entries are similarlycreated navigating or searching through the categories and subcategoriesto a particular waymark 33 and entering or editing a log entry, whichcan include narrative text, a rating, further metadata, and otherinformation. Other types of process flows are possible, as would beimplied in part by the form of data organization implemented for thewaymarks 44 and metadata 17.

Example Web Pages

A standardized Web-based user interface allows on-line clients 35, 36,37 that are executing Web browsers to manage, navigate, and search thewaymarks. FIG. 8 is a screen shot 80 showing, by way of example, a Webpage 81 for navigating a set of directories 82 of waymarks 44. Tofacilitate navigation in an outline format, the set of directories 82are presented as links to Web pages of individual categories. Inaddition, the set of directories presented can be refined by applying afilter 83 to limit scope.

A creator 61 can edit their own categories. FIG. 9 is a screen shot 90showing, by way of example, a Web page 91 for editing a category 92 ofwaymarks. The creator 61 can edit the category to modify the propertiesthat are displayed to waymark owners 62 and users 63. Other options 93could be available, for instance, to add variables, manage the category,transfer ownership, and view variables.

Similarly, a creator 61 can manage the variables currently defined for aparticular category. FIG. 10 is a screen shot 100 showing, by way ofexample, a Web page 101 for viewing category variables 102. In oneembodiment, a summary of each variable 102 is provided and includes alink 103 to Web pages for editing the attributes of the variable.Further options 104 could be available, for instance, to add newvariables, edit the category, manage categories, and transfer ownershipof the category.

As well, a creator 61 can edit the variables for each category. FIG. 11is a screen shot 110 showing, by way of example, a Web page 111 forediting category variables 112. Depending upon the type of variable, aset of required attributes 112 and permissive set of options 113 can beprovided to define the types of information that can be stored asmetadata under the variable. For example, a variable for a lighthousecolor could be provided as a dropdown list that includes four colors.Additional colors can also be defined and the entry of an answer by auser 63 can be specified as being mandatory or optional. Other types ofvariable attribute modifications and organizations are possible.

A user 63 can select a directory link to view the Web page for aparticular category or subcategory. FIG. 12 is a screen shot 120showing, by way of example, a Web page 121 for ad hoc searching ofwaymarks 122. A capsule summary 122 of the category or subcategoryselection is displayed, which can include a set of links for anysubcategories. In one embodiment, waymarks 44 can be searched directlythorough a search panel 123 that accepts geolocations, such as postalcode, state, or country, as well as coordinates. In a furtherembodiment, the ability to search on metadata within variables can alsobe included, such as by color or other metadata variables. Additionaloptions 124 could be available, for instance, to record a new waymarkunder the category, add a new category, or edit an existing category.

Searching via the search panel 123 generates a set of search results.FIG. 13 is a screen shot 130 showing, by way of example, a Web page 131for viewing search results 132. By default, the search results 132 arepresented in a list format 132 that provides a brief synopsis of eachwaymark and a link to access the waymark, including any metadata.Additional options 133 could be available, for instance, to record a newcategory, add a new category, or edit an existing category.

Users 63 can view a particular waymark 44 and can submit commentary viaa log. FIG. 14 is a screen shot 140 showing, by way of example, a Webpage 141 for a set of log entries 142 regarding waymarks. The logentries are presented in a list format 142 and can include additionalinformation, such as narrative text, a rating, further metadata, andother information. Log entries can be edited by the author of the entryand viewed by all other users.

In a further embodiment, a discussion forum relating to a certainlocation that is identified by geolocational data can be provided. Thelocation can be free form, that is, the location need not be nearby orcontaining a waymark, nor, in a further embodiment, be within a zone ofinfluence. For example, a user could start a location-based discussionregarding an object on, around, or near a popular landmark, such as apark. Other users wanting to find discussions close to their ownlocation, or any other location, can search for topics based on thatlocation to find related discussions, including filtering log entries142 by location and waymark category, as well as other parameters, andby using other types of searches. Thus, another user at a nearbyuniversity, for instance, who is searching for topics relating tolocations around the university might also find the discussion regardingthe park, in addition to other discussions relating to locations thatare within their specified search radius.

System for On-Line Collaboration

The waymarks are centrally stored in a database managed by a server.FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a system 150 forfacilitating ad hoc compilation of geospatial data 33 for on-linecollaboration, in accordance with one embodiment. The server 150executes a sequence of programmed process steps, such as described abovewith reference to FIG. 7, implemented, for instance, on a programmeddigital computer system.

A server 151 is interfaced to a database 158 that stores waymarks 159.Each waymark 159 includes geolocational data 160, metadata 161, and theset of log entries 162. The server 151 provides a user interface 157 tothe user community. In one embodiment, the user interface 157 isprovided as a Web-based interface that can be viewed using a Webbrowser. Other types of user interfaces are possible.

The server 151 includes a manager 152, logger 153, publisher 154, and,in a further embodiment, a forum moderator 172. The manager 152processes additions, edits, and deletions to the exportable schema 171,including directories 163, categories 164, subcategories 165, variables166, and attributes 167. The manager 152 also controls the permissionsgranted to creators 168, owners 169, and users 170. In a furtherembodiment, the manager 152 processes the logical placement of physicalobjects described by waymarks 159 within zones of influence 173.

The logger 153 allows users 63 to create and view log entries 162 forwaymarks 159. The log entries 162 are similar to personal blogs, exceptthe overall environment 30 is centrally managed through the server 151.The log entries 162 create a location-based discussion forum that linksgeolocational data with forum discussions and which can be filtered byboth location and waymark category, as well as other parameters.

The publisher 154 provides access to the waymarks 159 to the usercommunity on-line via the user interface 157. The publisher 154 includesa searcher 155 and navigator 156 for respectively searching andnavigating through the waymark data hierarchy and waymark data. Otherfunctionality could be provided in the server 151 either in addition toor in lieu of the foregoing components.

In a further embodiment, the forum moderator 172 facilitateslocation-based discussions 174 relating to locations identified bygeolocational data. The locations can be free form and need not benearby or containing a waymark 159, nor, in a further embodiment, bewithin a zone of influence 173.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described asreferenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art willunderstand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A system for facilitating ad hoc compilation of geospatial data foron-line collaboration, comprising: a geospatial data sharing databasewith an exportable schema, comprising: one or more dynamically definedcategories under which to store waymarks in, each waymark associatinggeospatial data with metadata as an unstructured information cache; andat least one variable dynamically associated with each such category toidentify the metadata and defining one or more attributes specifying atype of metadata storable in identity with each such variable; and apublisher component to publish the categories on-line by storing thegeospatial data and the metadata as waymarks under one such category andaccessing the stored waymarks in response to user requests.
 2. A systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a manager to provide ownershipcontrols over the database based on creation, ownership, and use.
 3. Asystem according to claim 2, wherein the ownership controls allow one ofexclusive or shared control over one or more of the categories.
 4. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein the database is structured into ahierarchy of categories and subcategories within the schema.
 5. A systemaccording to claim 4, wherein the schema provided for each category andsubcategory is dynamically created based on the variables and attributesassigned to that category and subcategory.
 6. A system according toclaim 4, wherein subcategories inherit the variables and attributes fromone of a parent category and a parent subcategory.
 7. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein the schema is exported as a portable data definitionschema.
 8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the waymarks areexposed and accessed using the portable data definition schema.
 9. Asystem according to claim 1, further comprising: a logger to loginformation regarding at least one of the waymarks from one such userrequest.
 10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the informationcomprises data selected from the group comprising reference, log type,date recorded, ratings, encryption, recommendation, comments, narrativetext, images, sound, video, and storable forms of digital data.
 11. Asystem according to claim 1, further comprising: a Web-based userinterface to manage the database.
 12. A system according to claim 11,further comprising: a navigator to enable navigation of the waymarksstored in the database using the categories.
 13. A system according toclaim 11, further comprising: a searcher to enable ad hoc searching ofthe waymarks stored in the database using one or more of the geospatialdata and the metadata.
 14. A system according to claim 11, furthercomprising: a forum moderator to facilitate a location-based discussionidentifying a location specified by such geospatial data.
 15. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one such waymark is associatedwith one or more zones of influence.
 16. A system according to claim 1,wherein the metadata comprises digitally-storable information used todescribe or be associated with a physical location and is selected fromthe group comprising narrative text, images, sound, video, and storableforms of digital data.
 17. A method for facilitating ad hoc compilationof geospatial data for on-line collaboration, comprising: dynamicallydefining one or more categories under which to store waymarks in ageospatial data sharing database with an exportable schema, each waymarkassociating geospatial data with metadata as an unstructured informationcache; dynamically associating at least one variable with each suchcategory to identify the metadata and defining one or more attributesspecifying a type of metadata storable in identity with each suchvariable; and publishing the categories on-line by storing thegeospatial data and the metadata as waymarks under one such category andaccessing the stored waymarks in response to user requests.
 18. A methodaccording to claim 17, further comprising: providing ownership controlsover the database based on creation, ownership, and use.
 19. A methodaccording to claim 18, wherein the ownership controls allow one ofexclusive or shared control over one or more of the categories.
 20. Amethod according to claim 17, further comprising: structuring thedatabase into a hierarchy of categories and subcategories within theschema.
 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the schema providedfor each category and subcategory is dynamically created based on thevariables and attributes assigned to that category and subcategory. 22.A method according to claim 20, wherein subcategories inherit thevariables and attributes from one of a parent category and a parentsubcategory.
 23. A method according to claim 17, further comprising:exporting the schema as a portable data definition schema.
 24. A methodaccording to claim 23, further comprising: exposing and accessing thewaymarks using the portable data definition schema.
 25. A methodaccording to claim 17, further comprising: logging information regardingat least one of the waymarks from one such user request.
 26. A methodaccording to claim 25, wherein the information comprises data selectedfrom the group comprising reference, log type, date recorded, ratings,encryption, recommendation, comments, narrative text, images, sound,video, and storable forms of digital data.
 27. A method according toclaim 17, further comprising: providing a Web-based user interface tomanage the database.
 28. A method according to claim 27, furthercomprising: enabling navigation of the waymarks stored in the databaseusing the categories.
 29. A method according to claim 27, furthercomprising: enabling ad hoc searching of the waymarks stored in thedatabase using one or more of the geospatial data and the metadata. 30.A method according to claim 27, further comprising: facilitating alocation-based discussion identifying a location specified by suchgeospatial data.
 31. A method according to claim 17, further comprising:associating at least one such waymark with one or more zones ofinfluence.
 32. A method according to claim 17, wherein the metadatacomprises digitally-storable information used to describe or beassociated with a physical location and is selected from the groupcomprising narrative text, images, sound, video, and storable forms ofdigital data.
 33. A computer-readable storage medium holding code forperforming the method according to claim
 17. 34. An apparatus forfacilitating ad hoc compilation of geospatial data for on-linecollaboration, comprising: means for dynamically defining one or morecategories under which to store waymarks in a geospatial data sharingdatabase with an exportable schema, each waymark associating geospatialdata with metadata as an unstructured information cache; means fordynamically associating at least one variable with each such category toidentify the metadata and means for defining one or more attributesspecifying a type of metadata storable in identity with each suchvariable; and means for publishing the categories on-line by means forstoring the geospatial data and the metadata as waymarks under one suchcategory and means for accessing the stored waymarks in response to userrequests.